A few months back you may remember that we raised money for Dog Files Team Member, Melody Chen, who had saved a pit bull named Chance.

— Kenn Bell

Chance’s Story
By Melody Chen

Chance, previously known as Chuco, did not come from an ideal home, in fact, his start at life was anything but perfect. Ever since he was young he was confined to the backyard and that’s where he stayed for 3 years of his life.

Chance was brought into animal control’s radar when he escaped his backyard and was found relaxing in a local elementary school with the kids. The animal control officers were familiar with him, however, the next time he would end up at the shelter it would be for a whole different reason.

A report came in of an injured dog that was not being cared for. When animal control officers arrived they found none other then Chance covered in wounds from head to toe. His owner had done NOTHING to help him. It was then Chance was confiscated by animal control and brought back and held as evidence as the case was proceeding. During this time, emails began pouring out for this once unknown dog in need. Luckily for him he had many people looking after him, many he will never meet but would help him along his journey.

When Chance was available to be rescued I went and got him out asap. He needed medical care and was still badly hurt. Chance was rushed to the vet to be treated for his wounds. He stayed there for a good two weeks before he was released.

I took Chance home for him to decompress from all the madness that has been surrounding him. It was going to be the first time he’ll have fall asleep on a comfy bed instead of the cold concrete floor, and boy did he love it!

Chance was a very mellow and quiet guy. He did not bark and was very well mannered. Though he was shy and lacked confidence, I could see in his eyes he really enjoyed the love and attention. Week after week he opened up more and more, his tail would begin to wag and body would wiggle with happiness when he sees you.

Chance had come a very long way, but I still couldn’t find him a forever home. I wanted to make sure Chance found the perfect home, one that would understand his needs, love him and would help him along the way. A home that would continue to rehabilitate him and give him the confidence he needs.

Chance stayed with me for 7 month before a second solution was thought up. I wanted to be fair to him and instead of having him on the sideline waiting, I wanted to get him better prepared and ready for a home.

That’s when Melanie Sanders of Paws To Luv stepped up and offered to take Chance in for training. With more training, his potential would open up and a possible home may come around sooner.

As we raised money for what was needed to get him to the trainer, something amazing happened! Pamela Ashley and Nathaniel Valley had been looking into adopting when they came across Chances chipin page. Turns out both Pamela and Nathaniel were local to us and were interested in Chance! What made this even better was they had experience with pit bulls.

We arranged a meet and greet and sure enough they fell in love. Adoption papers were filled out and their home passed my check. Chance had found his forever home!

I told Chance how lucky he was and though his past was horrible, his future was now, very bright. Chance didn’t know it, but he had an entire network of people who were rooting for him and helped him along his journey.

I’d like to thanks the Dog Files Community for all they did to help out with Chance! Though It has been a very long road, it was all worth it, because in the end, Chance finally has a home to call his own.

Thanks to all who supported or have helped Chance along the way: Pamela Ashley, Nathaniel Valley, Melanie Sanders, Tracy Williams, Jane Almon, Tyler Z Nasise, Sharon Lohman, Kathy Kear, Lori Wilson, Kyra Legaroff, Kenn Bell & the Dog Files, Steph Cooper, Kevin Granger, S Forest King, Kristina Sanchez, Maureen Marsh, Paula Penn, Debra Peck, Katie Muggy, Evi Kuraesin, Lewis Francis, Deborah Sander, Ingrid Campagne, Phyl Underhill, Richard Dunbar, Debra Winter, Peter Aloisio, Lori Frailer, Kelly Rittenbach, Amy Styles, Cynthia Albin, Yu-Chiao Chiang, Sherry Duvall, Suzan T Perlstein, Viktoria Somorjai, Mike Southern, Rebecca Bronk, Adrienne Gates, Rhonda Pagel, Marianna Mullin, Bari Maiden, Lisa Carnevale, Patty Peek, Stephanie Cooper, Michelle Carter, Bonnie S Smith, Jason Wilson, Susan Trear, Jonathan McCoy, Katie Bruns, Jayde Pamuk, Michael Westlake, David Ngo, Alana Epstein, Benedicta McGrath, Jaycee Tan, Debra John, TP, Jolie Wiggins, Michelle Sathe, Lanette Roth, Dena Picken, Kirsten Hiett, Christine Caballero, Cheryl Jewhurst, Kate Gregory, Ruth Lynch, Michael Penserini, Michele Leatherwood, Denise Hanson, Geri Alexander, Ann Bridges, Rita Risby and many more for sharing!